Shillong, June 5: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday said government programmes should focus on citizens rather than dignitaries, using a World Environment Day event to highlight the need for greater public participation in governance and environmental conservation.
Speaking after leading a rhododendron plantation drive at Sangmein in Upper Shillong, Sangma said official events should not revolve around ministers and VIPs but should serve the larger objective of public welfare and community engagement.
“Programmes like these should not be about the VIPs and the ministers but should be for the public and the citizens,” he said, choosing to felicitate school students instead of receiving formal recognition himself.
The Chief Minister also stressed that environmental responsibility should not be confined to annual observances.
“For me, every day is Environment Day. All 365 days of the year should be Environment Day,” he said, urging citizens to adopt sustainable practices such as reducing waste, conserving energy, recycling and planting trees throughout the year.
The plantation drive, organised by the Department of Forests and Environment under the theme ‘Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future’, focused on the conservation of Rhododendron arboreum, locally known as Tiew Saw in Khasi and Latuthiñ in Jaintia.
Sangma said the initiative would contribute not only to ecological restoration but also to tourism development by enhancing the natural appeal of Meghalaya’s trekking trails and landscapes.
“We have planted rhododendron saplings because we believe this is another meaningful contribution to our environment. At the same time, it will enhance the experience of tourists visiting these beautiful trails,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that environmental conservation and economic development can go hand in hand, creating livelihood opportunities for local communities while protecting the state’s rich biodiversity.
The event, attended by Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed, senior officials, local residents and school students, was also aligned with the national Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign and the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative promoting sustainable living practices.
Also Read: Assam exceeds plantation target with 1.2 crore saplings planted in a single day
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